valentina victrix

Ever since writing my screenplay about Caterina Sforza, the 15th century warrior countess who was admired by poets, soldiers, kings and Machiavelli himself, I've found images of sword-wielding women compelling.

This is a picture of fencing gold medalist Valentina Vezzali, who just won her sixth world championship in Catania, Italy.

We love Valentina because she shows us of an aspect of fierce womanhood we don't see enough of - and because she loves dogs: last summer she appeared in a PSA urging people not to abandon their pets during the holidays.